All posts by Jessica

Being a college student in engineering and maintaining outside interests can appear to be downright impossible sometimes. I have found in my time here at Purdue that finding balance is the key to keeping my sanity, and actually getting tasks accomplished. I am not going to lie, I would go insane if all I did was homework 24/7. I need to take breaks to do the other things that I enjoy. Whether that be running, playing soccer on an intramural team, reading a good book or just sitting and vegging out in front of the tv. I am not some robot that can maintain focus for hours on end. I need balance in my life. That is possibly the most difficult thing to learn in college. Not differential equations or heat and mass transfer, but how to find that perfect equilibrium in your life between coursework, socializing, extra-curricular activities, and part-time jobs. There is not magic solution for everyone either, no one size fits all, making this a daunting task. Some people plan everything out, down to the minute whereas others just go with the flow. It comes down to what works for you. It doesn’t matter which type of person you are. Just take the time to figure it out; it will be worth it in the long run.

This is my first summer staying at Purdue, and I have to say it is not quite what I expected. I am currently taking my last math class, doing undergraduate research, and holding a part time job, so needless to say I am keeping myself busy. Yet I still find myself missing the “normal” Purdue atmosphere. I miss the Big Ten sports. I miss the energy that the full student body brings to campus each fall and spring. I miss all the friends I have made here since freshman year, most of who are around the country with internships, research opportunities, or just relaxing back at home. All of these things I miss are what makes Purdue home to me each fall and spring semester.

Before I get everyone thinking that Purdue is a place to be avoided in the summer I should state that I have some awesome opportunities available to me here. I get to work with a professor on a research project pertaining to a copper alloy he is attempting to patent, something I would have never gotten to do had I stayed back home for the summer. I am excited to be able to do some meaningful, real world engineering work while having the flexibility of being able to work and take a class.

There are still plenty of things to do here on (and off) campus during the summer, from intramural sports on campus to going to Chicago or Indianapolis for a day or weekend. The atmosphere on campus is also calmer, quieter from the lack of students, something I appreciate when attempting to do homework on campus. I still miss the hustle and bustle of the fall and spring semester, but something can be said for a break from all the commotion that those semesters bring. So I am savoring my “relaxation” time I have this summer, as I know once I go into the real world and get my full-time job I will miss these days.

Choosing a university is one of life's biggest decisions, based on a variety of factors, from the faculty to fellow students, campus life, career outlook, and even location and social life. Purdue University's College of Engineering is one of the premier Engineering institutions in the world.

Recent Comments

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the official views of Purdue University. This site may contain links to websites and services outside the Purdue University domain. Purdue University does not endorse, takes no responsibility for and exercises no control over the views or content contained on these independent sites, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on them. Purdue University cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked websites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the independent site.